4-H & Youth Program Impacts

4-Hinnovators - 80% of the fastest growing occupations depend on mathematics and scientific knowledge. Alabama 4-H developed a web-based STEM curriculum that is now offered nationally. More than 8,000 students have participated in the first two years of the program. 50% of the students that completed the program understood basic engineering design processes, and 25% would consider careers in engineering.

4-H Science School - More than 3,000 students each year participate in experiential environmental education on more than 200 acres of forests, trails, and waterfront. In 2016, urban student participation increased by 42%, female participation by 25%, and African American student participation by 22%.

AG & Natural Resources Impacts

Avian Influenza - More than a year in advance of the 2017 avian influenza outbreak, Alabama Extension led the development of a unified state response plan. When the crisis emerged, the plan was already in place. All groups offered a unified, science-based message of transparency that continues to shape public understanding of the incident. Response plan news coverage topped 55 million viewers.

44% of the 368 participants in the Family Advocacy through Caring Engagement Strategies program reported improvement in family relations, saving $777,600 in counseling costs. Return on Investment is 226 to 1.

$1,500 per household or a combined $249,000 saved by families through the Urban Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program helping families stretch food dollars and prepare safe and healthy meals. Return on Investment is 57 to 1.

963 youth and adults learned to improve eating habits and increase physical activity through the Community Health Aerobic Motivational Program Initiating Optimal Nutrition - better known as CHAMPION - for a potential savings of $1,066,500 in medical costs resulting from obesity and diet-related diseases.

Alabama Drought - Extension implemented the coordinated website www.AlabamaDrought.com. It includes information from a recently published iBook titled Climate and Crops and features management options for the state's five major crops based on proven weather patterns. Alabama Extension material quickly became the central point of information for state agencies and organizations.

Storm Water Mitigation - More than 33.5 trillion gallons of water move through Alabama's 14 river basins and coastal drainage areas. Of that, 19.5 trillion gallons are surface water runoff. Alabama Extension created for communities a storm water mitigation plan packaged in an iBook. In its first year, the iBook has been used by 41% of the Alabama regulated storm water communities.

Return on Investment

Beef Basics - Alabama Extension designed a digital learning experience for beginning beef producers that included online courses and an iBook. In the first year, 430 beef producers participated with an average herd size of 30 cows. Graduates reported an average savings of $93 per head for a total of $321,408. With just $6,007 in staff costs and travel, the program has a Return on Investment of 53 to 1.

Forage Production and Management - Regional Extension agents hosted more than 80 workshops for livestock producers across the state. The information was critical during a year of escalating drought. Thanks to timely management information, participants reported $116.9 million in additional income and savings. With just $30,817 in staff costs and travel, the program has a Return on Investment of 5,415 to 1.

2016 Armyworm Scouting - Armyworms will annihilate pastures in a matter of hours. Early control, especially during a drought, can help preserve precious forage. Thanks to Extension, ranchers used sweep nets to scout for armyworms, saving more than $6 million in livestock feed. With staff and travel costs of $3,560, the Return on Investment is 1,713 to 1.

Women in Ag - 31 female cattle producers participated in a beef farm management program. With an average farm size of 122 acres and 93 head of cattle, the group reported $214,144 savings in production costs. Extension staff time and travel for this program totaled $2,280. The Return on Investment is 94 to 1.

Subsurface Drip Irrigation - The Wiregrass Research and Extension Center documented the promise of 1 ton per acre of additional peanut production. If just 10 producers implement the technology, the value of additional peanut production would top $11 million. Return on Investment is 210 to 1.

Alabama Urban Home*A*Syst - 12 regional Extension agents delivered educational information to 3,611 Alabamians to help them better understand and control indoor air pollution to achieve a hazard free and environmentally secure home. Post-survey data among 154 participants indicated a potential savings of $63,140 or $410 per household for professional indoor air testing services.Return on Investment is 19 to 1.

Beef Cattle Improvement Association Feeder Calf Sales - 44 beef producers added value to their livestock by collaborative marketing. Earning $126.12 over market value per steer and $143.47 per heifer, the program helped earn $826,269.85 in additional income. With $33,967 in staff and travel costs, the program has a Return on Investment of 24 to 1.

GROWINGALABAMA

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4-H and Youth Impacts

144,887

young people participated in 4-H, supported by 9,822 volunteer leaders.

690

schools hosted 4-H programs.

14%

increase in minority participation.

35%

increase in Hispanic participation.

5,345

hours of service through Volunteer in Urban Programs save $119,087 in staff costs.

Nutrition and Health Impacts

185,000

residents bought healthy food at farmers markets.

2,962

residents benefited by public gardens.

21,266

residents impacted by healthier retail.

247%

increase in Extension health initiative participants.

SNAP-Ed

Alabama has the highest obesity and obesity-related rates in the nation. SNAP-Ed programs are helping students eat more fruits and vegetables at school lunch, increase physical activity, and drink fewer sweetened beverages.

Career Countdown

39,109

youth participated in a simulation program that led to the development of educational plans, career plans, and good study and financial management habits for greater economic security. Return on Investment is 46 to 1.

Promoting Readiness for Employment Possibilities

$241,150

savings in unemployment benefits to the state through job training series. Return on Investment is 20 to 1.

E-Waste Institute

11,025

pounds of e-waste diverted from public landfills and 33,761 pounds of carbon emissions kept from atmosphere. Return on Investment is 10 to 1 for gas conserved and 54 to 1 for recycled cans.